POST AGM GUEST LECTURE ON THE HUMAN – ELEPHANT CONFLICT

This year’s post- AGM guest lecture was delivered by Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences of the Faculty of Colombo, University of Colombo. The topic of this timely lecture was “Human-elephant Conflict: causes, consequences and the way forward”.

Prof. Devaka Weerakoon has been a dedicated conservation biologist since 1995, with a primary research focus on the conservation of threatened species—particularly the Asian Elephant in Sri Lanka—and the ecology of wetlands. He serves as a technical advisor to the Ministry of Environment on the conservation of threatened species and the fauna component of Sri Lanka’s Red Listing Programme. Prof. Weerakoon has also contributed his expertise as a biodiversity consultant to the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. In addition, he has served as a biodiversity consultant to the IUCN’s Asia Regional Office and its Sri Lanka Country Office. He is an active member of the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group.

Prof. Weerakoon gave a fascinating account of the evolution of the current position regarding the Human Elephant conflict in Sri Lanka, and proposed solutions based on the knowledge gathered through research and observational studies, to which he himself had made a significant contribution. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion.

The text of Prof. Weerakoon’s presentation can be accessed by clicking this link.

The days proceedings concluded with the Academicians present enjoying fellowship and lunch.